Surprise Views

Surprise! These three hikes in North San Diego County are not only less traveled, they're filled with outdoor gems like Torrey pines, sandstone formations, wildlife, and vantage points with huge views.

Week: 01.12.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Daley Inspiration

Hike Boulder Loop at Daley Ranch in North San Diego County

Hiker on a trail at Daley Ranch at North San Diego County
Hiker on a trail going past boulders at Daley Ranch in Escondido North San Diego County
Hiker at bench site overlooking mountains at Escondido Ranch in North San Diego County
Phenomenal views? Check. Impressive geology? Check again. Secret ponds? Yep! Sprinkle in a historic home and you’ve got a 5-mile highlight hike at Daley Ranch in Escondido.
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Mix Things Up in Oxnard

Winter Adventures in Oxnard

hiker on Channel Islands
fox on Channel Islands
women hiking on Channel Islands
By land, by sea, by taco trail—Oxnard in Ventura County hits its stride in winter. The golden beaches are uncrowded, and surfers find their bliss in the curling waves.
Oxnard Vacation Guide

Encinitas Ranch

Hike at Encinitas Ranch for Mountain and Sea Views in San Diego County

A hiker surveys the sandstone formation and distant mountain views at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County
A woman walks by a cactus covered trailside at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County
Dog statue at vista point in Encinitas Ranch San Diego County
Beautiful Torrey pines, striking sandstone bluffs, mountain and ocean vistas ... find these trademark San Diego features on an unassuming suburban hike at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County.
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Manchester Hidden Gem

Hike a hidden gem at Manchester Preserve in San Diego County

Hiker staring out at mountainous views in Manchester Preserve North San Diego County
A hiker walks past the sign for Manchester Preserve in North San Diego County
A hiker walks up to a heart shaped rock formation at Manchester Preserve in North San Diego County
A woman sits at a bench overlooking vast green scenery at Manchester Preserve in San Diego County
Hike a hidden gem in San Diego County: Manchester Preserve is a 123-acre canyon with a winding trail network best explored on a 2.25-mile perimeter loop.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

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  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

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  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

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  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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